Card Talk

26

In this episode, GCB and Chris spend a lot of time discussing how to identify a bad deck. Perhaps too much time. They also discuss whether Counterspell would make classic control viable in Modern, Eldrazi’s role in every format, what bannings may occur, and welcome special guest Seamus Campbell.

5

Chris has been listening to our old casts and looking through his old cards, and we have some particularly embarrassing memories to share as a result.

We also discuss the crazy spoilers that appeared a few weeks ago, give away some cards to listeners, discuss a rare paper-magic tournament experience from Chris, and give you a little bit of kitchen advice.

7

Last week, Chris and I sat down to get hyped about Pro Tour: Origins in Vancouver. Instead, we ended up getting hyped about Luis Scott-Vargas.

Chris asks if variance is a threat to Magic’s long-term viability, and I have a thing or two to say about that. Also, I recap a recent Modern PPTQ I nearly won with a tier-1 deck that no one seems to appreciate… which is excellent against Grixis Delver.

We also discuss some of the more absurd cards from Magic’s early days, and, as usual, play some games. Listen below, or subscribe on iTunes!

29

Two-time US Nationals Top 8 competitor Conrad Kolos joins the Card Talk team for a discussion of new Magic Origins cards.

What do they think of…

Hangarback Walker,

Demonic Pact, or

Herald of the Pantheon?

Conrad loves Hangarback Walker, comparing it to both Arcbound Ravager and Doomed Traveler.

Gabe calls Demonic Pact a Cruel Ultimatum for 4 mana! This card certainly does a ton of awesome things (so long as you are a little patient)

Herald of the Pantheon, though, is terrible according to the team. Either you will draw all Herald of the Pantheons or all clunky enchantments with no acceleration. The first two, though? Very high on these.

Per usual, this episode is chock full of trivia, swapping Magic cards, and speculation.

12

BDM and I are super excited to welcome Card Talk: The World’s Greatest Magic: the Gathering Podcast to Fetchland!

You might know Gabe Carleton-Barnes as a longtime member of the Top 8 Magic podcast extended family (Gabe used to be a New Yorker working at the Top 8 Magic offices and was then a frequent participant on our podcast); and you probably know him as a current member of Wizards of the Coast’s Grand Prix coverage team. He is a whiz-bang crusher of PTQs (and now PPTQs and RPTQs). He is joined by partner Chris Murray on this and every episode of Card Talk. This week’s will focus on renewals (bringing back Card Talk after some months of hiatus, here on Fetchland), what Gabe and Chris liked (and didn’t) about Magic Origins, plus Gabe once again owning cake (on account of qualifying once again).